Want to support Artists? And Make Money? Here’s how!

I loved creating art during my childhood.  Right after college, I took a drawing class at the local art supply store and it rekindled my love for everything art related.  Even though I was working in an office environment, I eventually figured out a way to work four 10 hour days so I could draw commission portraits on Fridays as a little side job.  

Fast forward a few years... a friend mentioned she had found a print-on-demand company online with awesome designs on a great variety of products.  She was able to find attractive designs for specific interests her kids were involved in that she could not find at local retail stores.  I checked out the site and was excited to find out that individual artists were selling their designs through this print-on-demand company.  I was a mom by now and was thrilled  by the thought I could sell my art online and work flexible hours building a creative business while taking care of our little munchkins.

I can’t put into words the joy and fulfillment this work has brought me over the past few years.  Every time I receive an order through my zazzle shop, I know someone liked my art enough to spend their hard earned money on it.  It means much more than a pat on the back. This work has been a creative outlet that has fueled my soul.

I wanted to share my story for all of you artists for whom this may be a wonderful way to earn income from your art. However, if you feel you can’t draw a stick figure or are not interested in creating designs yourself, you may be surprised to find out that you can still earn money too!  Many artists struggle with promoting their own work and greatly appreciate receiving support from others who can help them get the word out. I certainly appreciate anyone who has promoted my creative work and told others about my designs.  In fact, many of my sales come from affiliates or zazzle associates who promote my designs on their blogs or websites.  

If you are interested in supporting artists selling on zazzle, I would encourage you to find more information at http://www.zazzle.com/sell/affiliates.   This link will provide you with the details about the Zazzle Associate Program.  Best part is that you can work when you have time and are not tied to a fixed schedule.  As an associate, you can choose the best designs and promote them on your own website and/or blog using relevant keywords. Currently, this program offers 15% per sale plus a volume bonus.  Zazzle provides all kinds of support such as website banners, link building tools and a forum where you can ask questions.  As a designer, I have found the zazzle community to be supportive and informative.  While this program allows you to monetize your website or blog, know that you will be helping artists achieve their creative dream!  

Have you ever considered working as an affiliate? Are you an artist looking for a new way to sell your art?  I would love to hear from you!

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